ALCOHOL

We take a trip to Firetype Chocolate in Northampton, get into apple science at Headwater Cider and discuss algospeak with the word nerd.

We learn about Holyoke High School's upcoming production of "Lord of the Flies," preview another story that will be featured at CISA's Field Notes storytelling event and learn about Berkshire Cider Project's upcoming wassailing event.

We stay dry with CJ Mutti and her non-alcoholic beverage business, Dry Humor, and explore synth music for Live Music Friday with musician NXOR and Kent Lundberg, New England Synth Fest organizer.

One of the modifications makes immigrants in Massachusetts eligible to solely hold liquor licenses for businesses.

We learn about this weekend's Northampton Jazz Festival, celebrate the Berkshire Brewing Company's 30th birthday, and solve the Quordle with the Word Nerd.

We listen to the tunes of jazz guitarist Sheryl Bailey, learn about the 4th annual Cider Maker's Dinner, and McGovern with Rep. Jim McGovern.

Alcohol oversight has traditionally all been done by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, until the House's spending plan re-assigned oversight at casino restaurants last month.

Host Carrie Saldo and panelists discuss expectations for Super Tuesday, vacant properties owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese, the fate of to-go cocktails, and community activism with the W.E.B Du Bois Center.

We imbibe a few mocktails with Sean Billson for "Dry January," invite the Muswell Hillbillies to the studio for Live Music Friday, and chat with Boston Red Sox's organist, Josh Kantor, while he performs live requests.

An attempt by Congress to sort out the immigration issue fell apart last week. The question of how Massachusetts' governor will handle the ever increasing number of unhoused families seeking shelter in the Commonwealth, continues to be top-of-mind for many across the Baystate.